The NFL season has come down to the last 3 weeks and things are very tight, per usual. The NFC playoff picture, in particular, is very much in flux with a slew of team hovering around .500. The top is more clear, with the Eagles threatening to run away with the #1 seed and the Vikings dominating the NFC North division. Here is where things stand going into Week 16, which starts tonight with the Jaguars at Jets in Thursday Night Football.
1) Philadelphia Eagles (13-1) - the Eagles have been soaring this year, led by MVP candidate Jalen Hurts. Hurts is hurt and may not play Saturday versus the Cowboys, but the Eagles only need to win 1 of their last 3 games to lock up the #1 seed in the conference. Pencil them in to lock it up by Week 17 when they take on the Saints
2) Minnesota Vikings (11-3) - the Vikings have clinched their division but still have a bit of work to do to assure themselves of the #2 seed. They probably cannot surpass the Eagles for the #1 seed even if they win out as the Eagles own the tiebreaker over them, but their biggest task will be holding off the surging 49ers for the 2 seed.
3) San Francisco 49ers (10-4) - the 49ers may be the hottest team in the NFL right now, as they are running rampant over any opponents in their way. I think they will win out and end up as the #2 seed over Minnesota as they have the easier schedule coming in
4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-8) - The Bucs are somehow leading the NFC South at 6-8 and do control their own destiny to get into the playoffs. Not sure what I want to happen here, but I think they end up making the playoffs while winning the division at 8-9. Gross
5) Dallas Cowboys (10-4) - The Cowboys are a damn good team who deserve to be in another division not containing the Eagles. Alas, they are not, but are the best team outside of the divisional winners. They'll end up as the 5th seed
6) New York Giants (8-5-1) - The Giants are currently in if the playoffs started today, but this team is losing steam fast. I wouldn't be surprised if they lost out against Minnesota, Indianapolis, and the Eagles and missed the playoffs at 8-8-1
7) Washington Commanders (7-6-1) - currently in but another team that does not particularly pass the "eye test". They are somewhat fading and I wouldn't be surprised if they lose out and miss the playoffs, as well
8) Seattle Seahawks (7-7) - As good as the Seahawks looked early in the season, they look that bad over the last few weeks. I like this team, but they have a very tough finishing schedule, starting with at the Chiefs this weekend. I think they will end up watching from their couch come playoff time
9) Detroit Lions (7-7) - the Lions are red-hot currently after an awful start to the season and are palying exciting football. Their remaining schedule is manageable with the Panthers, Bears, and Packers upcoming. I like their chances to make the playoffs, let's go Lions!
